Step 1

Heat olive oil in a large skillet.

Step 2

Add onion, celery, and carrot.

Step 3

Cook, stirring as needed, until softened, about 5-10 minutes.

Step 4

Add garlic, and cook, stirring frequently, for 30 seconds.

Step 5

Stir in tomato paste, and cook, stirring it in, for 1 minutes.

Step 6

Add tomato sauce, diced tomatoes with juice, basil, oregano, baking soda, and salt and pepper to taste.

Step 7

Stir in lentils and water.

Step 8

Simmer, stirring regularly, until lentils have softened, about 20-30 minutes.